The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2015, and October 31, 2016 (see FAQ for exceptions), are automatically nominated for the 2016 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on November 3, 2016, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

What happens to the peoples of the Arctic who follow native hunting traditions as the polar ice cap shrinks? In this timely photo-essay, an inveterate traveler describes three visits to northern Alaska in which he follows scientists from Indiana investigating climate change, as well as Iñupiaq Eskimos waiting for the return of the sun and the whale hunt and then harvesting the first whale, more or less as they have for generations. Opening with a helpful map and a note about the terms used to describe the people he visited, Lourie tells about his trips in a chatty first-person voice, illustrating them with color photographs, mostly his own. He introduces the reader to individuals—earth scientists and biologists, whale captains, and a man who straddles both worlds—and ends with a personal vow to change behaviors that may be contributing to global warming. Helpful backmatter includes a glossary, suggested reading, index and short list of simple things the reader can do as well to fight global climate change. (Nonfiction. 10-14)

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